(COMPLETED): Unsent Letters

june 3rd, 2016

It had been three days since Reid and Kat had gone on their first date. Reid had been busy with a work based study under his father on the business side of their family. While Reid's dad had always aspired to be in the limelight of collegiate sports, they were also from old money. 

His grandfather had began the first vacation condominiums within the small town of Harbor Haven. While they weren't the most populated vacation spots, like Panama City Beach or Myrtle, but they still experienced big-named tycoons who wanted to expand the beautiful shores of their community. His dad never wanted to be in charge of them when his father passed, but here he was; Following a passion that he didn't want, but knew he had no choice. 

The same choice he is leaving with Reid. 

Kat, on the other hand, had been dealing with becoming a successful artist in the small beach town. She had a lot against her, things like being in the foster system and being a black female in an all white community, but she felt that she deserved the chance to prove she was worthy of acceptance. She had been working with multiple art museums left and right, just trying to receive the chance to showcase her talent, yet it was always something. Her work wasn't what was "in" or they were too booked with more "talented, mainstream artists." She couldn't help that she wasn't raised like every other rich, spoiled brat in Harbor Haven. Matter of fact, she wasn't even a native of the town. She had to pull herself out of the mud of being beaten and abused her whole life in Pittsburgh to be here. A town with no support, with nothing to her name. Yet, it felt like every challenge hit her like a mack truck. 

Kat had been drinking her fourth glass of vodka sodas, the cheapest drinks she could get on her salary as a cashier for a jewelry stand. She had struggled all night trying to create a piece that envisioned emotion- something that many of the curators felt she lacked in her work. Yet, nothing seemed to work. For Kat, her life wasn't about dwelling on the past, but rather creating the future. She didn't need to paint about foster dads who would sneak into her bed at night or previous failed relationships that ended with her in the hospital at the court house the next day by 8 AM to put a protection order in place. Painting was her chance to create a still image of the life she wanted- she deserved- regardless of what anyone thought. 

By the fifth pour of her drink, Kat felt bold and messaged Reid. 

Kat: miss me? see me at Tidal Waves in ten minutes. 

It took less than seven to see Reid dressed in a plain white tee and black jeans. He leaned in for a hug, caressing her in a way that screamed danger. He smelled of pine trees and the it captivated Kat in a way that she wanted to be touched by him forever. 

Tidal Waves was a cozy, dimly lit bar in the heart of the city, where live jazz music filled the air and the atmosphere was buzzing with laughter and clinking glasses.

Reid had a mischievous glint in his eye as he pulled Kat away from the counter of the bar to a secluded corner table, a smile playing on his lips. "I have a challenge for you tonight," he whispered, leaning in closer.

Kat raised an intrigued eyebrow. "A challenge? What's the catch?"

Reid chuckled. "It's simple. We're going to create the most ridiculously over-the-top, cheesy, and unforgettable pick-up lines to use on each other and see who can make the other laugh first."

Kat grinned, ready for the challenge. "You're on, Reid."

They ordered their favorite cocktails and started brainstorming their pickup lines. With each round, they tried to outdo each other with absurd and hilarious lines that had both of them doubled over in laughter.

Reid pretended to be a smooth-talking spy. "Do you have a map? I just got lost in your eyes, and now I need directions to your heart."

Kat countered with a theatrical flair. 

"Are you a magician? Because whenever I look at you, everyone else disappears."

Reid shot back, channeling his inner poet. 

"Do you have a name, or can I call you mine?"

Kat couldn't help but laugh. 

"Well, Reid, are you an alien? Because you just abducted my heart."

As the evening continued, their pick-up lines became more and more outrageous, and their laughter filled the bar. They caught the attention of fellow patrons, who were charmed by their playful banter. 

But it was Reid's final line that brought the evening to a perfect romcom-worthy moment. He looked into Kat's eyes with a genuine, warm smile and said, "You know, Kat, I think I've just discovered the most beautiful star in the whole galaxy, and it's right here in front of me."

Kat's heart skipped a beat, and she blushed, her laughter subsiding. "Reid, you win."

Reid leaned in, their faces inches apart. "Do I win a prize?"

Kat didn't need to answer with words. She closed the gap, and their lips met in a sweet, unforgettable kiss. The bar's jazz band played a soulful melody, and in that moment, it felt like they were the stars of their own romantic comedy, where love and laughter mingled in the most unexpected, yet perfect, way.